Manga

DAIMA WONDERLAND! ARIGATO, TORIYAMA-SAMA

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, DBZ , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Ball Daima Episode 20 Review

It’s over, everyone. After five months and twenty episodes, Dragon Ball Daima, the series made to honor the franchise’s 40th anniversary, has ended. The real question, though, is whether or not the series ended on a high note. And since it wound up being the last thing Toriyama worked on before his passing, fans wanted the finale to be the highest note possible. So, did it stick its landing? Did Toriyama choose to end the story in an epic fashion, or a comedic one?

Let me put it this way: if you loved Toriyama’s sense of humor, then you’re going to laugh at how the finale plays out.

Going Wild Right from the Start

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The second the episode cuts away from the Toei logo, Daima lets everyone know it’s not messing around. Instead of wasting time with the OP, it opts to get right into the action as SSJ 4 Goku and Gomah continue their final battle. And much to Dragon Ball fans elation, Daima gives eight minutes of glorious, uninterrupted fighting. And I do mean uninterrupted, as beyond the screaming, there’s almost no talking of which to speak. Just two super strong people punching each other in fast-paced sakuga fashion, epic beam struggle and all!

Those eight minutes aren’t just to entertain the audience. They’re a testament to why Dragon Ball is such a legendary anime. When it wants to go all-out on the fighting, it will pour every yen it has into giving the audience a show to remember.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Unfortunately for the heroes, their big gambit fails at the last second, leaving them unable to get the Evil Third Eye out of Gomah. For a moment, it looks like things might really be all over for Goku and his comrades with Gomah poised to kill them all. It’s like those cutscenes some video games add after the player defeats the boss, only to make it seem like they failed. And like those cutscenes, Daima pulls something out of the fire that saves them in the most unexpected fashion.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

At first glance, it might seem like having Kuu be the one to stop Gomah feels like a cheap copout. However, this is Toriyama we’re talking about. That man loved to make everyone think things would go a certain way, only to have something unexpected and silly happen. Like Yajirobe cutting off Vegeta’s tail? Or Recoome getting one-shotted? Watch something long enough, and you’ll notice these sorts of things!

Plus, it makes what happens next pretty funny, too.

ALL HAIL KING KUU

So, Gomah doesn’t die after being defeated. Instead, the heroes opt to imprison the now ex-Demon King along with Degesu in a magic prison for the next 99 years. At least they’ll have plenty of video games to play while they think about what they did. However, things get interesting when Arinsu declines to become the next King (or Queen) because she didn’t get her wish from the Dragon Balls. Instead, the title goes to the one responsible for defeating Gomah: Kuu!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Of all the ways that this could end, I donโ€™t think anyone expected Majin Kuu to be the one becoming the new King of the Demon Realm. However, it makes sense. He may not be strong, but heโ€™s good at befriending others and recognizing their talents. Case in point, he makes Arinsu his Vice-Demon King so she can keep using her knowledge to help everyone. Even better, he makes Neva, Marba, Glorio, Duu, and Kadan all Ministers to help him rule. And for the first time in eons, the Demon Realm has a ruler worthy of the position!

And so, like any good JRPG, the world this adventure took place in becomes a better place. People can now travel freely between the Demon Worlds, and thanks to the tunnels opening, the gas that gave Goku so much trouble in the Third Demon World becomes much lighter.

And so, with their quest done, Goku and the others head home, heroes one and all. But not before we get one last joke.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Leave it to Toriyama to turn a seemingly ancient and unique artifact into something found at a drug store. I had the biggest grin on my face when I saw that.

PEAK. ANIME.

So, how was the finale to Dragon Ball Daima? Honestly, it was pretty good! It did a great job of balancing fanโ€™s expectations for the action with Toriyamaโ€™s sense of humor. That final fight between Goku and Gomah may not have been as epic as the fights heโ€™ll have in the future, but it stands as one of the series best in recent years. The kamehameha alone might be among the best in the entire franchise!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

As for the comedy, for those who saw the outcome as a cop out, I reiterate my previous examples. Toriyama understood the humor behind hyping someone up, only to have them absolutely embarrassed, and that was something he never forgot. The ending wasnโ€™t just an epic shouting match. It was also a return to the comedy found throughout Toriyamaโ€™s works!

Weโ€™ll likely be doing a full series review for Daima soon, so we can fully explore what worked and what didnโ€™t. However, at the end of the day, I would say that Daima proved to be a success for Dragon Ball. Even if it hadnโ€™t been the last thing Toriyama worked on before he died, it likely still would have been a success.

Also, it should be pointed out that the finale ended right before midnight, March 1st in Japan, exactly one year to the day that Akira Toriyama left this world to join the other great storytellers in Heaven. That could not have been a coincidence! People knowingly chose the finaleโ€™s date in honor of Toriyamaโ€™s memory! It was Japanโ€™s way of allowing him to move on to Otherworld, his work fulfilled!

Go, Akira Toriyama. Go teach a dinosaur to ride a ball in Heaven and spend eternity with the great storytellers of history.

I Give โ€œMaximumโ€ a 5/5

It’s Official: Daima is GT 2.0!!!!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Blogging, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Ball Daima Ep 19 Review

There are only two words that can be used to describe these final episodes of Dragon Ball Daima: absolute. Cinema. And the fandom certainly seems to think so.

We are now in the final two episodes of Toriyama’s last gift to the world, and Daima has never been more popular. In-universe, though, things were looking dire for the Dragon Team. Goku and the others were unable to leave a dent in Gomah thanks to the Evil Third Eye. To make matters worse, Glorio chose this crucial moment to summon the Demon Realm’s Dragon on behalf of Dr. Arinsu. It looked like the betrayal that was teased earlier was about to take place, and the episode’s title didn’t help much.

Guess what? We got punked! Classic Toriyama!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Glorio just Played us All!

The episode starts off with everyone, from the Dragon Team and their allies to the audience, watching as Glorio has summoned the Demon Realm’s Dragon (Red Porunga). It looked like he was about to make Dr. Arinsu’s wish to be stronger than Gomah a reality. However, much to everyone’s astonishment, he didn’t end up wishing for that! Instead, he wished for the Dragon Team to be returned to their adult selves!

This isn’t the first time that Toriyama decided to give us this kind of bait-and-switch; after all, he did it when Krillin chose not to shut down 18. However, the fact that the audience was just as in the dark about Glorio’s wish due to it being in Namekian was brilliant. Cliffhangers may not always be enjoyable, but when done right, the payoff is worth the wait.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

As for why Glorio chose to betray his employer, who had saved him from the Third Demon World, no verbal explanation is given. However, the look on Glorio’s face as he’s warmly greeted by the others says it all. He did it because he’s grown to like his traveling companions. Good on him for that! Even better knowing that Goku finally got his name right.

Besides, it’s not as if Arinsu has no other allies. Kuu and Duu remain loyal to her, and the relationship she has with them seems pretty positive. Even moreso when it’s thanks to Kuu that Arinsu learns how to get the Evil Third Eye out of Gomah.

Vegeta Gets his SSJ 3 Moment Yet Again!

Now that they’re back in their adult forms, the heroes can fight Gomah on more equal ground. Unfortunately, they fall back into the old habit of fighting the enemy one at a time, with Vegeta going first. Try as Vegeta might, not even his adult SSJ 3 form is enough to hurt Gomah. Or rather, it does hurt him, but the damage doesn’t stick, thanks to the Evil Eye.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

No wonder why that eye is considered so dangerous. It basically gives the user infinite health and stamina! But, like any good video game boss, it does have a weakness. And it’s something so simple, it’s actually laughable: hit the user on the back of their head three times, and the Eye will fall out.

That’s nowhere near as funny as the threat that Bulma gives Vegeta if he won’t let Goku and Piccolo fight, though.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Toriyama. He knew what fans wanted!

It may seem silly (and it is), but it’s moments like this that show just how much Toriyama understood his fans. He knew what would make us laugh, make us cry, and most of all, leave us squealing in joy. And if seeing SSJ 4 Goku as a kid was awesome, that’s nothing compared to what happens next. As Goku prepares to distract Gomah so Piccolo can get in the hits, we not only get a call-back to one of the most famous transformation sequences in the franchise, but a bonus.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

And on this day, manly tears were shed the world over as the Internet exploded from sheer joy.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

In all seriousness, though, these last few episodes have done wonders to help make up for whatever shortcomings Daima might have. It’s very bittersweet to think that the next episode will likely be the grand finale, but all good things must end. Let’s make sure that Daima gets the attention it deserves before we send Toriyama off to that great studio in the sky.

I Give “Betrayal” a 5/5

Gomah. He Looks Goofy, but is Dangerous

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Blogging, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Ball Daima Ep 17 Review

Last time on Dragon Ball Daima, Goku and the other heroes made it to King Gomahโ€™s castle. There, they managed to take down Degesu and rescue Dende, fulfilling one of their two goals of traveling to the Demon Realm. However, when they arrive at the final Tamagami, they realize that the Dragon Ball is missing! At the same time, Gomah manages to get his hands on the Evil Third Eye and places it in his forehead, unlocking a powerful new transformation. Will Goku and the others be able to defeat the Demon King in their current state?

Honestly, theyโ€™re in for a pretty rough go of it.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Duu and Goku Fight…

Since the beginning of Daima, this blog has said that Dr. Arinsu was working against Gomah. The signs were all there: she gave him the idea of trying to mess with Goku and his friends. She hired Glorio to bring them to the Demon Realm and retrieve its Dragon Balls. She created Duu and Kuu to get the last Dragon Ball. The writing was on the wall, and it should come as no surprise when this episode has her say it. She wants to overthrow Gomah, and use the Dragon Balls to turn the Demon Realm into her own empire. An empire from which she can conquer the rest of reality.

Again, none of this should be a surprise. Arinsu had โ€œStarscreamโ€ written all over her face. What is surprising, though, is the fact that she doesnโ€™t have Glorio turn on the others right away and give her the Dragon Balls. Instead, she has Duu fight Goku with the Dragon Balls on the line.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Only for Gomah to Crash the Party

The fight between Goku and Majin Duu is brief, but it also turns out that the two are pretty evenly matched. Goku does a good job, but Duu manages to tank most of his hits and give them back just as well. However, their fight soon becomes moot when the real threat shows up: King Gomah.

A few weeks ago, some fanart of what King Gomahโ€™s ultimate form would look like wound up trending online. He was seen as this big, menacing figure akin to Frieza and Cell.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Imagine the disappointment fans must have felt when this episode reveals Gomahโ€™s Third Eye form looks like this.

However, keep in mind that when it comes to the villains, Toriyama liked to subvert our expectations regarding their appearances. Friezaโ€™s true form may look plain, but in truth, itโ€™s downright terrifying. Cell may look more humanoid than bug in his perfect form, but his power is unreal. And letโ€™s not forget the menace that was Kid Buu. So, as goofy as Gomahโ€™s new form seems, the power he has is the real deal.

Donโ€™t believe that? Hereโ€™s proof: Goku takes a moment to ask all the other strong fighters to help him jump Gomah. In a franchise famous for having the main heroes fight while the others watch, that doesnโ€™t often happen. The fact that Goku is openly acknowledging that he cannot handle this on his own shows how serious this is!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Let’s Kick Things Up a Notch

So, the climax of the episode has Goku, Vegeta, Glorio, Shin, Piccolo, Duu and Kuu, and even the Tamagami all rushing Gomah. And, in keeping with the Dragon Quest leanings, the fight feels like the climatic boss fight of a video game. Itโ€™s incredibly well-animated with some great, continuous shots. But, much like in the original Broly movie, not even jumping him at once is enough for the heroes. Gomah just tanks all their hits, and comes dangerously close to killing Goku. Itโ€™s only thanks to Duu and Kuu jumping in at the last second that heโ€™s able to catch a break.

The episode ends with Goku powering up to the only form he has that can handle Gomah, Super Saiyan 3. He may. Or be at his full power as a kid, but this is his last resort. And judging by the previews for the next episode, this fight is going to be wild. Something that fans have been wanting to see from the very beginning!!!

This is the good stuff!

I Give “Gomah” a 4/5

Megumin Took a Page from Darkness for 100 Girlfriends Audition

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2 Ep 5 Review

Masochism is a noun describing the act of deriving pleasure from one’s pain. And in the anime world, no masochist is more famous than Darkness from KonoSuba. Darkness will throw herself in front of enemy attacks to experience pain. She regularly (and openly) fantasizes about painful and humiliating scenarios she can go through. She might be the ultimate masochist, but 100 Girlfriends may have just given us someone who rivals her interest. And for extra irony, this new girl is voiced by the seiyuu of Darkness’ party member, Megumin!

Also, good on the anime for updating the OP to now include Mei Meido.

Megumin Joins the Family!

As Rentaro is walking near the entrance to his high school, he sees a girl in a baseball uniform asking other girls to join the baseball team. But then, the two’s eyes meet and…zing!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Meet girlfriend #9 Iku Sutou, a tomboy and only member of the girl’s baseball team. She loves the sport and is determined to be the best at it. She’s so determined, in fact, that she will practice until every part of her body is screaming at her to stop. And she likes it! She’s a colossal masochist!

Most of the girlfriends have quirks that viewers and readers will consider funny, but Iku might be among the funniest. Rentaro sees her have hearts in her eyes while dealing with the pain of swinging the bat 10,000. And when she finds out Rentaro already has a girlfriend(s), she’s heartbroken…and loves it!

The funniest part about Iku isn’t even something found in the manga; it comes from anime. Her seiyuu is Rie Takahashi, AKA the seiyuu of Megumin from KonoSuba. This was a brilliant casting choice, and it cannot have been a coincidence. Someone must have realized how hilarious it would be to have a character that takes after Darkness’ looks and personality but has Megumin’s voice. She’s easily the funniest character to join the cast since Hahari’s reveal as one of Rentaro’s soulmates, and the same goes for her love confession. He pretends to reject her confession because he knows she’ll love it.

Doing that is so painful it makes Rentaro vomit blood. Peak comedy, and girlfriend #9 is now secured.

Masochism+Determination=COMPLETE DISASTER

Iku’s masochism might be used for laughs, but her determination is very genuine. With all her teammates training in America, the girl’s baseball team is in danger of being shut down. Hence why she’s spent every day asking girls to join the team for an upcoming practice game so it can stay open. Once the Rentaro Family accepts her, though, they all agree to help. Partly because they’ve been trying to burn off the calories from the eating contest but mostly so they can exercise with Rentaro.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

As expected, the girl’s practice is full of jokes and visual gags centered around how their quirks affect their practice. They’re all pretty funny, ranging from Kurumi trying to eat the ball (it reminded her of a candy,) Nano throwing the ball like a pitching machine, and Kusuri copying Zoro’s three-sword-style with bats. If you like the jokes about each girl, you’ll like the training. However, things do take a serious turn when Iku stays up practicing all night, only to collapse from exhaustion!

Like every girl, Iku deconstructs an archetype found in fiction. In this case, her determination to do better, combined with her masochism, feed into this loop that could quickly become self-destructive. She is what would happen if Goku or Vegeta trained themselves past their limits but never gave themselves the time to rest. It’s not something one should always do, and it moves the Rentaro Family enough to stay overnight to look after her.

This is gonna be fun

Black comedy points for the reason they found it being Hahari overhearing Iku underneath the bed in the nurse’s office. The anime even shows her doing this!

Iku might be one of the best girlfriends to join the Rentaro Family thus far. Her determination is endearing, she gets extra points for being a tomboy (#tomboysupremacy), and her quirks, combined with her seiyuu, are hilarious. Welcome to the family, Iku, and good luck at the game.

I Give “Most Athletes are Masochists” a 5/5

Natsuko, get your ego under control!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Blogging, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , ,

Zenshu Ep 5 Review

Natsuko has been on an absolute tear ever since she came to the world of A Tale of Perishing. Every time a Void has shown up, whether she’s seen them before or not, Natsuko has managed to win. At the rate Zenshu is going, she can change the downer ending into a happy one. However, it would make for a boring anime if things continued along this same pathfr the rest of the series. With Zenshu nearing its halfway point, it has to mix things up to keep the viewers interested. In this case, that, sadly, involves teaching Natsuko an important lesson: just because she knows the original story, doesn’t mean she can solve all its problems.

Natsuko is letting her ego show

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

It was established in the first episode that Natsuko wasn’t someone who worked well with others. Because she has such high standards for herself, she would get repeatedly frustrated when others couldn’t be on her level. Thus, instead of admitting she had no clue what she was doing with her romance flick and asking for help, she tried to do everything alone. While Zenshu already indicated that things were getting bad for the studio she worked at, the opening to this episode showed us just how bad they were getting. If that upcoming film didn’t do well, the entire studio would go under, and it would all be Natuskoโ€™s fault.

Here’s the thing, though: Natsuko never figured this out. Nor have her experiences in a world of Perishing helped to curb her lone wolf mentality. Instead, her string of victories over the Void has caused her ego to swell to the size of a planet. She’s openly basking in the peopleโ€™s adulation and saying that she’s handling everything. Even when she acknowledges how the story has gone way off the rails, she thinks she’s got it covered.๏ฟผ Even the cocky Unio believes she’s got too big a head on her shoulders!

Natsuko needs to get her act together

There are two significant issues with how Natsuko is acting in this episode. Firstly, there’s the story itself. If Natsuko is dreaming all this on a hospital bed, then when she wakes up, she wont have learned any important life lessons. Nothing will change, and thus sheโ€™ll doom her job due to her ego. Secondly, thinking you know how a story in an isekai will end can be a recipe for disaster. Case in point, the other heroes in Shield Hero thought the same thing. Look up how that turned out for them!

Bottom line, Natsuko needs to start learning how to work with a team, especially now that she’s begun to make an impact on the Nine Soldiers.

Luke is getting jealous of Justice

By now, it should be evident that Luke is falling for Natsuko. Luke may try to deny those feelings, and Natsuko might be oblivious to them (for now), but Unio is fully aware and hates it! Those feelings only continue to grow in this episode when Destiny asks the group to help out the orphans in the District of Despair. Not only is Luke impressed with how easily Natsuko wins over the kids, but he grows jealous when they reunite with an old friend of there’s who starts hitting on Natsuko.

This episode introduces the audience to Justice, a Dragon-man and former member of the Nine Soldiers before he quit. On the surface, it looks like did it to indulge In a life of debauchery. In truth, though, it was because in an earlier battle where a teammate died, his wings got crippled. As a result, he can’t fly. To a dragon, that’s the same as being paralyzed. The worst part, though, is that Luke didn’t even notice it because he was so worried about their other dying comrade.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Natsuko is able to bond with Justice because she understands his pain genuinely. Unfortunately, she doesn’t learn from his mistakes of not asking for help from others. In addition, her spending time around Justice starts giving Luke the wrong idea.

Natsuko might have bit off more than she can chew

Eventually, though, Natuskoโ€™s hubris catches up with her when the next group of Voids appear. For the first time since she got isekaiโ€™d, Natsukoโ€™s drawings fail to defeat the good. The last moment of the episode is of her sitting vulnerable on the ground as the Void looks ready to end her life!

What a cliffhanger! For the first time, things are about to take a turn for the serious! Even if Natsuko makes it out in one piece, the consequences will still be significant. Hopefully, this experience will be the wake-up call she needs. Otherwise, this whole isekai experience will have been for nothing.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

I Give “Justice” a 4/5

The Evil Third Eye, Confirmed!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Ball Daima Ep 15 Review

The final battle is upon the Dragon Teamโ€ฆor Z Warriors or whatever the fans call Gokuโ€™s group of friends and allies. After stumbling their way into the First Demon World, Goku and the others are on the verge of ending their quest to rescue Dende and return to their proper ages. However, thereโ€™s one problem: Gomah knew they were coming and isnโ€™t pulling any punches. To make matters worse, it turns out that a certain theory that came up regarding the Evil Third Eye turned out to be right. And with Gomah now aware of this fact, heโ€™s determined to get his hands on it! The question isโ€ฆdid he manage to do that?

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Guess who Had the Evil Third Eye?

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

As fans, including this very blog, speculated, that eye in Hybisโ€™ belt is, in fact, the legendary Evil Third Eye. Anyone who places it in their forehead can gain immense power that can make them nigh-unstoppable. However, the reason why it was lost was due to a power struggle between royalty. For the late Dabura, in an effort to overthrow his father, Abura, hired a thief to steal the Eye while his dad was away. Fortunately, the plan went south when said thief got killed before he could meet his client. Dabura overthrew his dad anyway, and Hybis found the Eye and kept it, ignorant to its true purpose. For further comparison, think Bilbo Baggins finding and keeping the One Ring, never realizing how dangerous it could be.

So, the prediction that Hybisโ€™ eye belt was the Evil Third Eye turned out to be correct. However, this should come as no surprise if one considers the hints that were dropped earlier in the series regarding this. And once Gomah becomes aware that Hybis has the second-most important artifact in the Demon Realm, he orders Degesu to get it. Which leads to what is, easily, the funniest part of the episode.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

While itโ€™s not clear whether this Demon woman was Degesu in disguise, that doesnโ€™t take away from the fact that this moment was hilarious. In the same conversation, Hybis calls the belt his favorite and most prized possession. And then he just trades it away for that big hat like itโ€™s nothing! The fact that he doesnโ€™t even want a kiss makes it even funnier! Hybis just became one of the funniest characters in the series! Time will tell if the Evil Eye becomes a factor in the final battle, though.

This storming of the castle could be harder than we thought.

Now, onto the main event of storming the castle. Given how theyโ€™ve effortlessly managed to demolish Gomahโ€™s forces up to this point, one would think the Dragon Team would have no problem getting past them. After all, Goku single-handedly demolished the Red Ribbon Army as a child. This should be a breeze for him and the others.

In a surprising subversion of one of Gokuโ€™s great early feats, the fight isnโ€™t as one-sided as fans would expect. Thanks to their sheer numbers and weaponry, the Gendarmerie manage to pressure the Dragon Team at several points. They manage to keep pushing, but by the time the tanks roll out, itโ€™s clear that the heroes are starting to feel the strain a bit. And thatโ€™s great!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

As some of the strongest beings in their universe, weโ€™re used to seeing the Dragon Team steam-roll past the nameless grunts and mooks. Seeing them start to struggle as they press onward ensures that the tension remains realistic. Had Panzyโ€™s father and his gang not shown up, thereโ€™s a real chance that Goku and his allies might have been pushed back. But show up, Panzyโ€™s father did, and his gang manages to help the heroes rout the enemy. All thatโ€™s left is for them to storm the castle and get the Dragon Ball and Dende!

Things are about to get tougher

Or so they think. Most of the party doesnโ€™t know that Arinsu already has the Dragon Ball and two skilled warriors capable of guarding it. And Gomah has the Gendarmerrie Force and Degesu at his disposal. Combine that with the chance that he could gain the Third Eye, itโ€™s clear that Goku and the others are in for a tough battle ahead. Itโ€™s a shame that the story has to end so soon, though.

I Give “Third Eye” a 3.5/5

Gomah Just Got a Major Power-Boost

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Ball Daima Ep 16 Review

Last time on Dragon Ball Daima, the Dragon Team launched a full-scale assault on King Gomahโ€™s stronghold. Their ultimate goal is to get the last of the Demon Realmโ€™s Dragon Balls, rescue Dende, and return to their proper ages. However, little do they know that Dr. Arinsu already has the last Dragon Ball and that the foolish Hybis just gave Gomah the ultimate weapon that could let him crush the heroes. Will the motley group of Saiyans, Demons, Namekians, Kaiโ€™s, and Humans make it to Gomah in time?

The answer isโ€ฆno. No, they do not.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The Gendarmerie Force Just Got Washed

Continuing from the events of the previous episode, Goku and the others continue their push towards King Gomahโ€™s palace. However, they get interrupted by none other than the Gendarmerie Force, AKA the discount Ginyu Force that Gomah has to use as his last line of defense. Given how they felt super confident and bombastic about their chances earlier, one would think that the fight against them would take up most of the episode.

None of them reckoned on the likes of Vegeta, though.

Itโ€™s actually funny to see how the GF hyped themselves up so much and how Daima made us think they could be a serious obstacle. Whatโ€™s even funnier, though, is how Vegeta no-sells all of their attacks. The look on his face says it all. Heโ€™s utterly indifferent to their schtick, having had to deal with the Ginyu Force for years. So, he makes them into his latest victims.

To his credit, though, Vegeta doesnโ€™t kill them. Knowing him, he likely doesnโ€™t see them as even worth killing.

Who saw Degesu Going Rogue?

Now, as for the character that gives the episode its name, Degesu shows his true colors. His attempt to flee with Dende as his hostage might seem sudden, but the anime has dropped hints that Degesu wasnโ€™t as loyal to Gomah as the king thought. Heโ€™s always had this air of elitism about him due to being a Kai/Glind, even when serving Gomah. Given his attitude, it seems only fitting that itโ€™s Panzy, someone who Degesu helped oppress, bring him down. Granted, she had help from Glorio and Hybis, but sheโ€™s the one who initiated it.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Soโ€ฆwhy does this not feel like a much bigger deal?

The whole point of Goku and the others going to the Demon Realm was to rescue Dende. Saving him should be this big moment for the series. Something that should have more time and energy given to focus on it. Yet, once again, it feels like Daima is rushing toward the endgame without giving viewers enough time to enjoy it. Especially considering this is the last time weโ€™ll have a story from Toriyama!

Gomah about to get a glow-up

Regardless of how the episode handles Degesu, though, it makes up for it when it comes to Gomah himself. While it wouldโ€™ve been funny to have had that Demon that took Hybisโ€™ belt (and Evil Eye) to have been Degesu in disguise, you canโ€™t win them all. Itโ€™s made up by the fact that when Gomah puts the Eye in his forehead, he gets a massive power boost and becomes super jacked. Itโ€™s enough to make that nameless thief run away screaming!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

We have yet to see the full effects of the Evil Eye, but given how the Dragon Team is not at full power, he likely has a massive advantage over them. Worse still, just as the heroes realize the last Dragon Ball is gone, Arinsu shows up with Duu and Kuu in tow. And that doesnโ€™t even get into the fact that Glorio is secretly working for Arinsu and could betray the group.

The bottom line is that the last four episodes will be filled with action and fights. Which is good, because if Daima wants to stick the landing, it needs to make them count!

I Give “Degesu” a 4/5

The maids must be crazy

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2 Ep 4 Review

Of all the waifu archetypes in anime, one of the oldest and most respected is that of the maid. The cute outfits, the respectful behavior, the willingness to serve their masters loyally. Many a male anime fan has dreamed of having a cute maid as their girlfriend! However, there’s the expectations, and then there’s the reality of what that’s like. And as Rentaro finds out when he starts a relationship with the Hanazonoโ€™s maid, Mei Meido, being a perfect maid does not immediately correlate to being a girlfriend.

Also, I would like to amend my review for the season premiere. It turns out that the first half of the episode wasn’t anime-original. It was a chapter that I had forgotten about.

Mei has some serious issues!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

So, having gotten Hahariโ€™s blessing to date Rentaro, Mei shows up at his house so that they can have their first real date. As said before, many young guys would kill for the chance to date a pretty maid girl like Mei. However, Rentaro soon discovers that Meiโ€ฆhas some issues.

Mei is so devoted to her life as Hahariโ€™s maid that she has no interests outside of serving her mistress. When he asks her what she likes, all she can answer with are himself and lady Hahari. Then she tries to drive to both their residences, despite just leaving his!

It gets worse. While she does endear herself with a pre-made lunch, her maid mentality is so thoroughly ingrained into her that Mei needs someone to give her a command. If she had fallen in love with someone with fewer scruples, she could be asked to do things that some might seem indecent. The anime even lampshades how fortunate it is that Rentaroโ€™s love far outweighs his lust. Its pretty clear, though, that, like many of the other girlfriends, Mei has her own, deep-seated issues. And while the anime tries to make light of it with a joke in the stinger, the accompanying flashback makes it clear that Meiโ€™s problems should be taken seriously.

Spoiler alert: Meiโ€™s deadbeat, debt-ridden parents abandoned her in the cold. If Hahari hadn’t found her in time, she would’ve died. Thankfully, not only did Hahari find her, she even offered to adopt her as her daughter. In other words, her non-existent self-esteem led Mei to become slavishly loyal to Hahari.

CHADtaro powers, ACTIVATE!

This looks like a job forโ€ฆCHADtaro! In this case, he gives Mei thus command to not be of any use to him whatsoever, only to then point out how thats impossible. Why? Because her very existence is helpful to him!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The logic and execution behind it seems crazy, but you can understand what Rentaro is going for. He’s trying to build up Meiโ€™s self-esteem by showing her that she doesn’t need to do anything for him to make him happy. Just existing is enough for him because he’s a CHAD among CHADS. It doesn’t fully snap her out of this way of thinking, but none of the other girlfriends have fully gotten rid of their issues. Nor do they need to, because Rentaro accepts them, faults and all.

And with that, girlfriend #8 has been secured. On to the celebration.

Squirt Gun Fight!

It should be a recognizable formula by one: once Rentaro secures a girlfriend, the Rentaro Family will spend half an episode or a whole episode attempting to integrate the newcomer through comedic hijinks. In this case, Hahari has them all dress up as maids and have a water gun shootout. The winner gets a hug and kiss from Butler Rentaro!

The fight itself is funny due to how seriously (or not) the girls take it. The anime really leans into each girlfriends unique quirks to demonstrate how they win or lose. And, since this is a rom-com harem, each girl gets a gratuitous money shot of them soaked in their maid outfits. Unfortunately, Meiโ€™s loyalty to Hahari leads to none of the girls winningโ€ฆwait, that’s not unfortunate. They all get a kiss from the best boyfriend in harem animeโ€ฆand a money shot of Butler Rentaro.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

One might think that having the series down to a formula would get boring, but what matters more is the execution. And with how many girlfriends with different personalities will be joining the Family, this isn’t going to get old anytime soon.

Though, admitedly, some of Hahariโ€™s motivations can get grating if they’re not used in moderation. The fact that Hahari saved Mei mainly because she was cute is not something we needed to know!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

By the way, they updated the ED since they don’t need to hide Mei anymore! Secret route UNLOCKED!!!

I Give “Super Soaked Maid Party” a 4/5

Guess Who the next Girlfriend is? The Answer might Surprise you!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll, Dubs & Subs , , , , , , , , , ,

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2 Ep 3 Review

Maternal. Refined. Poise. All of these adjectives could be used to describe Hahari Hanazono. At least, they were, until she met Rentaro and the floodgates were opened. Now sheโ€™s the absolute goofiest member of Rentaroโ€™s growing family, much to Hakariโ€™s dismay. But maybe all Hakari needs to do is walk a mile in her motherโ€™s shoes (with Rentaro) to understand why Hahariโ€™s now acting like she is. All of this, plus the next girlfriend awaits on 100 Girlfriends!

Rugrats was a good cartoon!

One day in their usual hangout, Hahariโ€™s back at her childish antics again. This time, she convinced Kusuri to make a drug that would turn everyone into babies, all so she can dress them up in baby clothes and pretend sheโ€™s their mommy. However, Hakari finally reaches her breaking point with her motherโ€™s behavior and calls her out on how embarrassing it is as her daughter. Unfortunately, the fallout gets delayed because, thanks to Kusuriโ€™s messing up, everyone but Rentaro and Hakari gets turned into babies. Tiny, adorable babies.

With a minimum of an hour before they can take the reversing drug, Hakari and Rentaro have to take care of the babified girls. Itโ€™s like one of those tv episodes where students have to raise an egg or flower sack as a pretend kid, but with actual stakes. Itโ€™s cute at first, until Hakari learns something: parenting is hard. The babies crawl everywhere, Karane and Kurumi keep trying to feed off of Hakari, and the only the two can get them to stop is by Rentaro injuring himself.

Despite all this, though, Hahari still consoles her daughter like the mother she is.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Tell your mom you love them!

The whole experience is an eye-opener for Hakari as to how hard raising kids can be. Hahari had the good fortune of being wealthy enough to be a single mother, but becoming one at age 13 would be stressful for anyone. Herein lies the reason for why Hahari acts so silly: because she neber got to enjoy her teens and grow up quickly, sheโ€™s trying to make up for lost time. Thus, surrounded by the Rentaro Family that loves her for all her faults, she lets herself cut loose. Itโ€™s not ideal, but Hakari learns to accept that part of her motherโ€ฆto an extent.

The second half of the episode skips past a chapter focused on Kusuri playing with a toy penguin named after Rentaro, sadly. However, itโ€™s a good segue into the Familyโ€™s next misadventure involving Meido.

And Girlfriend #8 is…

Meido, age 19, Hahariโ€™s personal maid whoโ€™s always smiling for the sake of her mistress. Sheโ€™s best described as being like a dog, in that sheโ€™s so loyal to Hahari, it unnerves Hahari sometimes. She even says that she will take cyanide if Hahari asked her! Yet, underneath her smile and closed eyelids, Hahari claims she has beautiful eyes. Sheโ€™s kept her face in professional maid mode for so long, though, she might qualify as blind.

The Rentaro Family resorts to their various antics to try and get Meido to open her eyes, with predictable results. All their various attempts to scare, make her laugh, or startle her end in failure or just more hijinks! The most they manage to do is Nano making Shizuka cry and Kusuri and Kurumi having to comfort Hahari.

Once again, though, itโ€™s Rentaro who manages to come in clutch.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Now we have a maid girlfriend

THATโ€™S RIGHT! Meido is girlfriend #8, here to fulfill everyoneโ€™s fantasies of dating a cute maid! And, as per the norm by now, sheโ€™s got her own issues that she needs to deal with before they can seal the deal. In this case, Meidoโ€™s loyalty to Hahari is so great that she refuses to act on her feelings until Hahari orders her to.

This could be Rentaroโ€™s toughest battle yet. How will he get through to the super-loyal Meido? For that matter, why is Meido so loyal to Hahari in the first place? Expect to learn the answers to both in the next episode. However, as far as this episode goes, it was yet another barrel of laughs for this writer. Ever since Hahari came to accept Rentaro and his harem ways, her goofy antics have been the source of a great deal of the series comedy. Considering how she had to suppress her own desires for 16 years for her daughterโ€™s sake, though, itโ€™s understandable. Youโ€™d be surprised how many adults wish they could cut loose like Hahari does. Also, seeing the baby versions of the Family get into trouble while the โ€œparentsโ€ struggled feels like watching an episode of the classic Rugrats.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

I Give “What Does the Maid See?” a 4/5

They Cut off Part of the Manga for the Eating Contest

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews, Crunchyroll, Dubs & Subs , , , , , , , , , ,

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2 Ep 2 Review

Last time on the legend of CHADtaro, our hero managed to secure his seventh girlfriend, Kurumi Haraga, the girl with an appetite to rival that of a Saiyan. But despite choosing to date Rentaro, the little Kirby will not associate with the rest of the Rentaro family. Thus, CHADtaro decided to enter them all into an eating contest to help them bond. Can the Familyโ€™s stomachs survive the turmoil to come? Find out now on The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You!

An Eating Contest?

As stated above, in order to break the ice between Kurumi and the rest of his girlfriends, Rentaro has them all enter an eating contest, with a special gelato being the grand prize. However, things are easier said than done, as Kurumi rather coldly believes the other girls will only hold her back. To make matters worse, their main competition happens to be a competitive eaterโ€ฆwho cheats. They disguise themselves as a giant man to hide the fact that they use a vacuum and food collector to store everything they โ€œeat.โ€ Itโ€™s something so ridiculous that even the anime calls itself out on the sheer ridiculousness of it!

Being that this is a food competition, most of the episodeโ€™s humor stems from the competitorโ€™s efforts to keep from exploding from eating so much, with each girlfriend going to absurd lengths to win!

Shizuka? She chews boba like sheโ€™s a cute little chipmunk?

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Nano forces herself onto a ledge so that the fear will somehow make her able to eat her last piece of food!

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Hakari and Hahari power through the potential weight gain by remembering the fat will go to the places that matter.

Hilariously, Karane and Kusuriโ€™s part gets cut off to save time.

The Rentaro Family wins (duh)

In the end, the final round predictably comes down to Rentaro and Kurumiโ€™s efforts. Unfortunately, not even Kurumiโ€™s stomach can handle all the food sheโ€™s eaten, and she begins to give out. At least, until the Rentaro family pulls through. With the help of their collective stamina, theyโ€™re able to bring the cheater to his knees! And then Rentaro just comes in and secures the final win using the power of love and whatnot!

And afterwards, Kurumi and Rentaro celebrate by having their first kiss. And with that, girlfriend #7 has been secured for the Rentaro Family.

So, how was this little outing? Hilarious, but thatโ€™s the case for almost everything in this wacky harem anime. If anything, it would be more surprising if it wasnโ€™t silly and over-the-top. However, it may be because of the sheer amount of food being consumed, but this episode wasnโ€™t quite as fun as the previous one. Then again, you canโ€™t expect every episode to be a winner.

Unless youโ€™re Rentaro. Then theyโ€™re all winners.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

I Give “The Beginning and the End! Food Fight Festival!”